When I asked a simple question in a retirement group — “What gifts did you receive when you retired, or what would you have liked?” — I expected a few polite answers.
Instead, over 40 people replied, sharing stories that were heartfelt, funny, and sometimes a little sad.
My favourite?
One gentleman said he’d like “a clock…on the dashboard of an Aston Martin.”
That about sums it up: retirement gifts can be practical, sentimental, indulgent — or completely unique.
The Research
In total, 74 women and 13 men responded. That’s nearly six times more women than men.
Women were happy to share their experiences, while many men chipped in only to say they’d got “bugger all” and wanted to make their disappointment known.
What Women Said
Women’s answers were thoughtful and varied:
- Airline tickets, holidays, and travel vouchers.
- Jewellery and watches.
- Plants, tree seedlings, and flowers.
- Photo albums, memory books, and scrapbooks.
- A few reported getting nothing at all.
- Many had quirky or unique gifts that reflected their personalities.
What Men Said
The men’s list was shorter — but not without character:
- Whisky, spirits, and gift hampers.
- A sailing voucher (which delighted one chap).
- A couple of unique one-off gifts.
- Three openly said “nothing” — and weren’t shy about their disgust.
- And of course, the Aston Martin dashboard clock.
What This Tells Us
- Women expect and value gifts. They want something thoughtful, memorable, or indulgent.
- Men often feel overlooked. Too many retire with nothing but a handshake.
- Top themes: travel experiences, personal keepsakes, and luxury treats
Why It Matters
Retirement is a milestone. It deserves recognition — from families, friends, and employers. A well-chosen gift can make someone feel valued, appreciated, and celebrated.
And as the Aston Martin story shows, it doesn’t always have to be practical. Sometimes it’s about the dream.